“We need transparency” | Family files federal lawsuit two years after son was shot and killed by two Atlanta police officers

ATLANTA — The fight for Nygil Cullins’ family continues two years after his death. Their message is always clear: all they ask for is transparency.

In a new federal lawsuit filed by his parents, they blame the city of Atlanta, Fogo de Chao, the restaurant’s security team, their security guard and the two Atlanta police officers who responded to Nygil’s wrongful death .

“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you,” Nygil’s mother Mya said through tears Thursday night. “It’s one of my biggest regrets every day of my life.”

His mother’s pain and his father’s regrets have still not disappeared, despite the time that has passed.

“I just think if I had been there, I could have saved him, man,” said Quentin Cullins, Nygil’s father.

Both parents are still fighting hard for their son Nygil. The 22-year-old man was shot and killed in Buckhead at a Fogo de Chao where he was eating on May 18, 2022. Since that day, the family and their attorneys have continued to push for the release of the full video and news of what happened. arrived that night.

“It’s not enough for the NAACP and its lawyers to see the video. It’s not enough for his family members to see the video. The community needs to see the video. They need to see 10 shots fired at Nygil Cullins. 5 shots a year. Take a break, standing over him and walking, then 5 more shots,” said family attorney and GA NAACP President Gerald Griggs.

The federal lawsuit claims negligence, inadequate training and excessive and deadly force all contributed to the shooting. The family says Nygil was carrying a legally concealed weapon at the time. He left his home after a mental health episode and several calls were made asking him for help.

“The gun is not visible, you can’t see the gun. He raises his hands, he goes to the ground and then he is tased. Our question through the trial and the family is why did “He was encountered in such a way that it resulted in him being shot 10 times,” Griggs said.

Releasing the video won’t bring their son back, but they hope it will spur change.

“There will be no closure until we have justice and transparency. Until policies change,” Quentin said.

The family wants to see a change in Atlanta Police Department officer training and more resources for mental health, whether it’s mental health professionals who work with officers to respond to calls or who are the first officers to tackle cases like this. differently.

11Alive contacted the department and Fogo de Chao after the complaint was filed. Both say they do not comment on pending litigation. Both officers named in the lawsuit are currently active employees.